Military Schools in Iowa for Troubled Teens

You may never have imagined being in a situation like this. Over the years your child went from having a few behavioral issues to facing a full on crisis. Ever since that turn you have both been locked in a struggle that seems never ending. They don’t just rebel against you, but seem to instead be against the entire world. What can be done?

Looking at the facts doesn’t help alleviate parental anxiety. A study found in 2012 that 75% of teens had drank alcohol before, and almost half of those had drank within seven days of the survey. More teens are killed by prescription drug abuse than street drugs combined. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in those ages 10 - 24. Every 2 out of 5 gang members are under 18 years of age. The risks to your child are real, and if they are showing signs of being associated with at risk behavior, they could be on a steep slope to the bottom faster than you can catch them.

Looking at these statistics military schools in Iowa for troubled teens, one of a handful of states to offer them, might feel like your last hope. But is it the right decision? And if not, what else can be done?

Why Parents Should Consider Rehabilitation Programs For Troubled Teens

There is no denying the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs aimed at teenagers. Studies have found inpatient residential treatments centers to be an effective means of curbing dangerous behavior, such as substance abuse and related problems. Not only that, but there have been noted improvements for teens who were placed in long term (12 month) treatment centers, as opposed to shorter stays.

Additional benefits also exist. For one thing, they provide parents with a break from the constant fighting and worrying that has been plaguing their life. You love your child, but these difficulties take a toll on the emotional and mental health of everyone involved, including your family. Having your teen somewhere that you know they are being treated, monitored and taught can be a relief.

For your teenager, being in a stable environment with professionals who know how to manage their symptoms and behaviors is a great way to give them the safe feeling they need to heal and grow. They will be learning alongside peers who have struggled with many of the same issues, making them feel less alone, less judged, and more supported. All in a location where they will be forced to address the core reasons behind their behavior, and learn a better way to cope.

You may feel that all of this points to a military school in Iowa being the best option. But you may want to consider your options first.

Why Military Schools In Iowa May Not Be The Best Option For Your Struggling Teen Boy

It is true that military schools in Iowa for troubled teens are highly secure, disciplined, and force your teenager to follow by a strict code of conduct. It will also prepare them for a future career in the military, if that is something they are interested in. However, it does not provide the kind of benefits your teenager may very well be needing.

Military institutions are likely not the solution if your child is suffering from:

• Depression
• Suicidal idealization
• Self harm
• Anger management problems and rage
• Violent outbursts
• Truancy
• Sexual acting out
• Criminal behaviors such as vandalism or theft
• Mental or personality disorders
• Substance abuse
• Trauma

Any number of underlying problems could be causing these behaviors. A military school is not equipped to get to the bottom of them, and so treat them. Instead, a therapeutic boarding school or residential treatment center may be the better alternative.

Therapeutic boarding schools and residential treatment centers are specialized institutions similar to inpatient rehabilitation centers. However, instead of being focused on hospital intervention, they have a mix of therapy and academic interventions set within the environment of a boarding school.

Your teen will take part in equal measures of therapy in group and individual settings, while working with academic advisers, tutors and teachers to improve their grades and prepare them for the future. If your teen has been struggling with maintaining their GPA, or has even been held back a grade, this can get them back to the level they need to succeed.

Some programs will offer additional features, such as equestrian training, outdoor activities, sports, or art classes. These extracurricular activities are tied in with your teens therapy, and used as coping mechanisms, and tools to teach them patience, empathy, and other crucial life skills.

What Liahona Academy Can Offer Your Troubled Teen Boy From Iowa

It isn’t hard to see why therapeutic boarding schools or residential treatment centers are the better option. Military schools in Iowa for troubled teens may be effective in figuratively beating certain behaviors out of your child...for a time. But long term success rates aren’t high, and the reason is that they fail to keep in mind the reasons behind their behavior, and correct them at their source. In some cases these schools can make the problem significantly worse, as their staff is not equipped to understand the need for therapy and potentially medical intervention.

Many parents are now choosing Liahona Academy for their struggling teenage sons. It is one of the few residential treatment centers in the country, offering a combination of therapy and academic advising to help teenage boys establish a strong foundation for their futures. For more than fifteen years they have stepped up to the plate and helped families on the brink of disaster pull back from the edge.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Residential Treatment Centers like Liahona Academy are the alternative to military schools, boot camps, and hospital programs that don’t address all of the surrounding elements to your teens rehabilitation. Let the experts at Liahona Academy help your teen (and your entire family) through this difficult time, so you can come through the other side whole and better than ever.

Cities All Across Iowa Can Receive Help At Liahona Academy, Including (but not limited to):

Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, Ames, Council Bluffs, West Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Urbandale, Ottumwa, Muscatine, Bettendorf, Coralville, Decorah, Johnston, Carroll, and Elk Horn.